Honeymoon

Planning your Honeymoon

Book your flight well in advance.
No joke, we’re talking 5 or 6 months.
You will get a much lower rate and once you know when you’re going, can start making the other appropriate plans. Be sure to record all confirmation numbers and keep them with the rest of your honeymoon materials. Confirm your flight 3 months, 48 hours, and the day of your departure to see if there have been any changes. Don’t forget that many airlines and tour operators offer cheap flights for booking your holiday or flight well in advance.

Wise room-shopping.
Perhaps at this moment sleeping in a Tuscan guesthouse bunkbed sounds romantic, but is that really what you want? Find the best room you can afford for this once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Ask hotels for specific information on which rooms are quiet, have the best views, etc. Don’t forget to tell them it’s your honeymoon (because they’re sure to have some perks for you), and don’t forget to record all confirmation numbers and keep it with your honeymoon materials.

Organize yourself.
Put all your honeymoon planning, flight tickets, confirmation numbers, everything in a special honeymoon file or envelope so you won’t lose any of it over the next few months. Make two copies of everything, one for you to stash when you travel in case of loss, and one to leave with your mother or best friend for the same reason.

Do your research.
You’ve heard all about Paris, but do you know what you’re going to do once you get there? Pick up a travel guide or two for the region you’ll be honeymooning in, and read it cover to cover. You’ll be surprised at the out -of-the-way activities, restaurants, and sites you’ll find buried in those pages between the Louvre and the Champs Ellysee. If you’re travelling to a country where you don’t know the language, look into taking a crash course before you go.At the very least purchase a phrase book !

Pack wisely.
Although it depends on where you’re going, for most holiday destinations, the best rule is: bring one of everything. One little black dress, one jacket, one sweatshirt, one pair of jeans. If you’re going somewhere tropical, you may want to bring a couple of swim suits, and several tops that can double as casual/presentable in case you decide to dive into a nice restaurant (or historical church) while you’re out and about. Don’t forget to pack hand luggage with a change of clothes for each of you, your toiletries, and all your paperwork in case they lose your main luggage or it’s delayed in arriving at your destination.

Papers, proof, and vaccinations.
Start making sure at least three months before the honeymoon you have proper certification as far as current passports, proper health certificates, and all the vaccines you will need to enter the country you’re travelling to. It takes time to secure some of this paperwork, so start early.

Exchange your currency here.
You’ll need some money when you get off the plane, most likely, and many times the currency exchange charge is more at an airport than if you go to the bank or traveller’s service. Exchange some of your cash, or all of it you want to use, before you leave for the airport.

Leave your info.
Don’t forget to leave all your information with a friend or family member. One copy of your passports, health certificates, flight and hotel reservations, confirmation numbers, and the phone numbers of places you’ll be staying should be in the hands of someone close to you in case you lose something or lines get crossed once you’re overseas. You should also find out where the local Embassy is located in the area you will be vacationing, just in case there are any problems.

Remember, you’re relaxing.
Don’t forget, you just came off one of the most stressful events of your life. Scheduling fun things to do might be great, but you may want to avoid wall-to-wall activities and opt for more R&R. The two of you choose a few things you really can’t live without (whether they be together, or separate activities – a few hours apart won’t hurt), and then make plenty of time to lay around, look at the scenery, have cocktails, and other relaxing activities.

Tell everyone you’re on your honeymoon.
We mean everyone! Many hotels, restaurants, and other establishments have special offers, perks, and free gifts for honeymooning couples. You never know when you’ll get a free meal or at least a complimentary bottle of champagne out of the deal.

InsuranceNever under-estimate the value of adequate insurance for your honeymoon.